alphabet

noun

al·​pha·​bet ˈal-fə-ˌbet How to pronounce alphabet (audio)
-bət
Synonyms of alphabetnext
1
a
: a set of letters or other characters with which one or more languages are written especially if arranged in a customary order
b
: a system of signs or signals that serve as equivalents for letters
2
: rudiments, elements
alphabet table

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of alphabet in a Sentence

The Roman alphabet begins with “A” and ends with “Z.” you need to learn the alphabet of genealogy before you can move on to more advanced study
Recent Examples on the Web That became a reality on May 12, 1971 with the opening of Kopper Kettle – spelled with a K because there are no Cs in the Greek alphabet. —Shannon Greene, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2024 The recruits were forced to list the Greek alphabet and Founding Fathers, Tran wrote in the letter describing the events and provided to The Sacramento Bee. —Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 18 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alphabet 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alphabet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alphabete, from Late Latin alphabetum, from Greek alphabētos, from alpha + bēta beta

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of alphabet was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing alphabet

Dictionary Entries Near alphabet

Alpha Aurigae

alphabet

alphabetarian

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Cite this Entry

“Alphabet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alphabet. Accessed 3 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

alphabet

noun
al·​pha·​bet ˈal-fə-ˌbet How to pronounce alphabet (audio)
-bət
1
: the letters of a language arranged in their usual order
2
: a system of signs or signals that serve as equivalents for letters
Etymology

Middle English alphabete "alphabet," derived from Greek alphabētos "alphabet," from alpha and bēta, the first and second letters of the Greek alphabet

More from Merriam-Webster on alphabet

Nglish: Translation of alphabet for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of alphabet for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alphabet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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